Opioid Use - Get the Facts

Myth: If I start taking opioid medication, I will become addicted.Fact: The chance of addiction is very low when opioids are taken for short-term pain relief. People who are addicted to opioids crave the medication and use it for reasons other than pain relief.

Myth: Opioids stop working if I take them over a long period of time.Fact: Sometimes the body gets used to medications that are taken over a long period of time, this is called tolerance. To solve this problem, medications or dosages may be changed.

Possible Side Effects from Pain Medications

You may experience some side effects from your pain medications. These are often mild and easy to treat. Let your nurse or healthcare provider know if you experience any of the following: